On Sat, 4 Aug 2018 09:55:41 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 8/4/2018 7:40 AM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 8/4/18 7:30 AM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 8/3/2018 8:59 PM, wrote:
On Fri, 3 Aug 2018 17:41:14 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 8/3/2018 4:19 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Fri, 03 Aug 2018 13:55:25 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 03 Aug 2018 06:48:47 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Thu, 2 Aug 2018 20:17:14 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

I have a force 125hp. Im thinking about putting it on a 1989
searay. Is there anything holding me back from doing so

===

My advice would be to check with the manufacturer.

http://www.searay.com/page.aspx/pageid/162289/Owners-Resources.aspx#Resources


I suppose he could start by looking at the capacity plate on the
boat.
Since he didn't say what size it was, a 125 might be too heavy.
I would be more concerned about the condition of the motor. Force had
lots of problems. I am a little surprised that one is still around
and
running.

===

I assumed from his question that either he doesn't know about capacity
plates or the boat doesn't have one for some reason.* Do you know what
year they became required?



U.S. Coast Guard Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971. Boats less than 20
feet powered with an inboard, outboard, or stern drive engine
manufactured after November 1, 1972, must display a capacity plate
defining the safe load limits.

The "capacity" is number of people or total pounds including gas and
engine.

Max HP for engines applies only to boats powered with outboards.

Florida also has an interesting spin on that. You can take the
capacity plate off as soon as you drive out of the dealership that had
the certificate of origin. It is not required for subsequent sales.
Whether the USCG could still screw with you is conjecture. On the real
boat group this has been discussed many times. It usually gets to "I
knew a guy ..."



According to the source where I found the Federal Boat Safety Act of
1971,* it is not a Federal crime to remove or exceed the ratings of
the capacity plate.* It's a recommendation, not an enforceable law.




How would one's liability insurance company react if you had an accident
with a boat that had an engine that exceeded the max HP on the plate?

This Boat US website (below) mentions that and suggests that your
insurance may reject any claim or coverage or there may be state laws
that apply but my point was that it is only a USCG and boat
manufacturer's recommendation. It's not a federal crime
to exceed the capacity plate either in total weight, people or HP
rating (if powered by an outboard) however you *are* required to
have the plate on the boat if manufactured after October in 1972.

I have a hunch that a Coast Guard boarding party would probably give
the boat captain a hard time and deserving so but no federal laws apply.

I remembered something about this from when I took the 6-pack captain's
license course years ago but couldn't remember the details. I
remembered because it caused quite a discussion in the class.

===

"you *are* required to
have the plate on the boat if manufactured after October in 1972."

That's my understanding also but did not remember the date. So we
know the boat in question should have a capacity plate which will
declare the maximum rated horsepower. Although it is apparently not
illegal to exceed that rating, it would certainly put your insurance
coverage at risk and probably expose you to legal liabilities in the
event of a mishap.